Video: Mississippi’s Legislative Session Begins

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JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – The first day of Mississippi’s Legislative session kicked off at noon Tuesday at the State Capitol. Education funding, Common Core, and state contracts are big issues lawmakers will tackle over the next four months.

Republican lawmakers said they don’t expect Medicaid expansion to happen this session, despite calls from some Democrats for a debate. As the state struggles to fully fund agencies, the Governor’s call for a tax cut for low to middle-income families, when there is a three to four percent growth in state revenue, is drawing an early mixed reaction.

Some say it’s political fare, while supports believe the tax cut is a balanced approach.

“I think his is well thought out. Now, I would really like to see a tax cut for homestead exemption, raise the homestead exemption,” said R – District 37 State Representative Gary Chism.

“We have so many needs in this state, from public education to our transportation system to our public safety system. This wouldn’t be $50 per family, come on. That’s ridiculous! I’m voting no,” said D – District 16 State Representative Steve Holland.

The Governor’s proposal could be changed to another version during the session.